U.S. patent number 6,394,400 [Application Number 09/641,397] was granted by the patent office on 2002-05-28 for frames for plastic bags.
Invention is credited to Ronald E. Sontag.
United States Patent |
6,394,400 |
Sontag |
May 28, 2002 |
Frames for plastic bags
Abstract
A versatile frame to facilitate the holding open of a plastic
bag. The invention facilitates a single individual in emptying food
and liquids into a plastic or other flexible bag without spilling
its contents. The device takes the shape of a topless barrel
truncated along a vertical plane through each of two opposite sides
of the barrel. The bottom is horizontally extendable and the walls
are vertically extendable, each having multiple locking positions.
The device can be disassembled and stored in a substantially
L-shaped arrangement for economy of space. The present invention
can accommodate bags having various volumes. The device also
features a stand, including a plurality of rubber feet to improve
traction, as well as upper rims capped with a rubbery material to
facilitate the grip on the opening circumference of a plastic bag.
Other embodiments include a bookcase shaped device with adjustable
height sides.
Inventors: |
Sontag; Ronald E. (Alvin,
TX) |
Family
ID: |
26846550 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/641,397 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B
67/1222 (20130101); B65F 1/1415 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65B
67/00 (20060101); B65B 67/12 (20060101); A63B
055/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;248/95,97,99,101 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Ramirez; Ramon O.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Litman; Richard C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/149,211, filed Aug. 17, 1999.
Claims
I claim:
1. A holder for flexible bags, comprising:
a base member, comprising:
a planar, horizontal female segment having a front edge and two
side edges connecting a back arc from which extends a arcuate
vertical first wall, said first wall having two vertical edges
connected by a top edge;
a base-supported member, comprising:
a planar, horizontal male segment having a forward edge and two
lateral edges connecting a rear arc from which extends a arcuate
vertical second wall, said second wall having two upright edges
connected by an upper edge; and
wherein said arc of said base-supported member has a radius that is
less than the radius of said base member such that said
base-supported member internally couples with said base member.
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of hard, rubber feet disposed on a bottom surface of said female
segment.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said male segment is
entirely above said female segment.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said arc of said
base-supported member has a radius that is less than the radius of
said base member by slightly more than the thickness of said first
wall, such that said base member is slidably rotatable with respect
to said base-supported member.
5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a rivet
having a vertical shank extending through a center point of each of
said male segment and said female segment, said shank having a
length that is slightly greater than the sum of the thicknesses of
said male segment and said female segment, and said rivet having a
bottom head and a top head that sandwiches said male segment and
said female segment, such that said base member and said
base-supported member are slidably rotatable 360 degrees about said
center point and relative to each other.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein each said edge of said
male segment and said female segment is arcuate.
7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first chamber formed within said female segment and extending
from said front edge to proximate said back arc;
a plurality of oppositely disposed first latch path pairs extending
from said first chamber to each of said side edges;
a pair of first arms comprising said lateral edges of said male
segment;
an outwardly disposed cam-type first latch defining a free end of
said pair of first arms proximate said forward edge;
and wherein said male segment is slidably insertable into said
female segment so as to maintain a plurality of locking positions,
wherein said first latch maintains camming engagement with two
opposing inside walls of said first chamber, and locking engagement
with each of said first latch path pairs while said lateral edges
abut said inside walls, wherein simultaneous finger pressure on
outer edges of said first latch unlocks said male segment from said
female segment so as to enable a person to alternate said locking
positions and thus, to alternate the distance between said first
wall and said second wall.
8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a second chamber formed within said first wall and extending from
said top edge to proximate said back arc;
a plurality of oppositely disposed second latch path pairs
extending from said second chamber to each of said vertical
edges;
a vertical, arcuate telescoping first wall extension having an
upper first rim substantially normal to a pair of vertical second
arms;
an outwardly disposed cam-type second latch defining a free end of
said pair of said second arms; and
wherein, said first wall extension is slidably insertable into said
first wall so as to maintain a plurality of locking positions,
wherein said second latch maintains camming engagement with two
opposing inside walls of said second chamber, and locking
engagement with each of said second latch path pairs, and wherein
simultaneous finger pressure on outer edges of said second latch
unlocks said first wall extension from said first wall so as to
enable a person to alternate said locking positions, and therefore,
to alternate the height of said base member.
9. The device according to claim 8, further comprising:
a third chamber formed within said second wall and extending from
said upper edge to proximate said rear arc;
a plurality of oppositely disposed third latch path pairs extending
from said third chamber to each of said upright edges;
a vertical, arcuate telescoping second wall extension having an
upper second rim substantially normal to a pair of vertical third
arms;
an outwardly disposed cam-type third latch defining a free end of
said pair of said third arms; and
wherein, said second wall extension is slidably insertable into
said second wall so as to maintain a plurality of locking
positions, wherein said third latch maintains camming engagement
with two opposing inside walls of said third chamber, and locking
engagement with each of said third latch path pairs, and wherein
simultaneous finger pressure on outer edges of said third latch
unlocks said second wall extension from said second wall so as to
enable a person to alternate said locking positions and thus, to
alternate the height of said base-supported member.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said second wall
extends below said male segment, opposite said third chamber, by a
distance equal to approximately one-half of the thickness of said
female segment so as to form a leg for said male segment such that
said male segment maintains horizontal alignment with said first
chamber of said female segment.
11. The device according to claim 9, wherein said first rim and
said second rim are capped with a rubbery material to facilitate
capturing a top circumference of a plastic bag.
12. An extendible bag holding device comprising:
a book shelf shaped structure having a planar rectangular base
plate with a front edge and a rear edge;
three parallel grooves shaped with a pentagonal cross-section are
located in said base plate extending from the front edge and ending
proximate the rear edge thereof;
said grooves separated by unequal distances; and
two pairs of walls having different heights but identical widths
and bottom configurations to snugly fit said grooves;
whereby a plastic bag of a certain size can be framed in the
extendible bag holding device according to size by locating a
selected pair of walls of equal height in said separated
grooves.
13. An adjustable size bag holding device according to claim 12,
wherein the planar rectangular base plate has a corrugated rubber
layer positioned underneath.
14. An adjustable size bag holding device according to claim 12,
wherein the two pairs of walls have pentagonal bottom portions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to small plastic bag
holders. More specifically, the invention comprises at least three
frames for holding small plastic bags open for filling with food
for freezing.
2. Description of Related Art
The relevant art of interest describes various bag holders, but
none discloses the present invention. There is a need for
economical small plastic bag holders configured either as a slotted
or closable gate-type basket or an adjustable size bookend-type
holder. The relevant art of interest will be discussed in the order
of perceived relevance to the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 968,349 issued to Louis Hanson on Aug. 23, 1910,
describes a metal telescoping bag or sack holder comprising two
adjacent half-cylindrical walls wherein the inside wall is held
fixedly while the rear wall slides up from a supporting back with
two bowed springs. A contractile metal band is placed over the
overlapping sack to hold the sack in place. A bail and handle is
attached to the outside movable wall. Hanson is distinguishable for
its half-cylindrical structure with a rear pull-up wall and
required split ring.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,005,956 issued to Frank Gibbins on Oct. 17, 1911,
describes a hemispherical multi-standard coal or grain bag holder
comprising two hemispherical hoops braced by four standards with
latches on the outermost standards for holding the bags open by
their handles. The bag holder is distinguishable for its open frame
structure and requirement for bag holding latches.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,609 issued to Brian E. Tobin on Jul. 14, 1992,
describes a flexible trash bag support apparatus for insertion
inside a plastic bag for filling grass and trash comprising an open
but foldable cardboard support having four sides, wherein the rear
side extends above the adjacent sides having hand slots on top and
two outer sides. One embodiment includes an apertured top cover.
The bag support apparatus is distinguishable for insertion within a
plastic bag.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,483 issued to Laureat Gagne on Jul. 3, 1984,
describes a collapsible flexible support for garbage bags made from
a rectangular sheet of plasticized cardboard, fiberboard or
linoleum having embossed tabs on the longer upper and lower edges
for holding the folded over plastic bags. The shorter sides have
knobs on one side for engagement with openings on the opposite side
for forming the cylindrical support. The support device is
distinguishable for its collapsible flexible structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,858,793 issued to Archibald Reynolds on May 17,
1932, describes a two-size bag holder for a grocery store
comprising a U-shaped cylindrical vertical member on a base and
having a swingable shelf with a latch to accommodate the smaller
bag. A separate funnel is added and supported by a semicircular
brace on top. The bag holder is distinguishable for its two-tiered
structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,813 issued to John J. Garrity on Aug. 4, 1981,
describes a wire mesh foldable bag holder having eight hinged
members to form an octagonal cylinder with open ends. The top of
the bag is folded over the top edge. The bag holder can be
disconnected on one edge. The bag holder is distinguishable for its
foldable meshed structure and open ends.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,916 issued to Joseph J. Guido et al. on Jan. 4,
1983, describes a convertible bag packing container and bag support
device comprising a rectangular box having a front side with a
U-shaped cut which is covered by a separate front panel having a
top fold over flap. The two sides have perforated side ears.
Collapsed bags are stored in the container. The container is
distinguishable for its folding structure and removable front
wall.
Canadian Patent No. 986,896 issued to Selmer L. Jerpbak on Apr. 6,
1976 describes a distender device and method for filling flexible
trash bags comprising a cylindrical plastic tube made from a
rectangular sheet formed helically and having attachable fasteners
to support the bag inside its frame. The distender device is
distinguishable for its cylindrical helical structure.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in
combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as
claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a versatile frame to facilitate the
holding open and filling of a plastic bag. The invention
facilitates a single individual in emptying food and liquids into a
plastic or other flexible bag without spilling its contents. The
preferred first embodiment comprises a substantially L-shaped base
member which receives like a belt buckle a substantially L-shaped
base-supported member. Each member consists essentially of a flat,
interlocking horizontal segment integrated with an arcuate,
vertical wall. Each vertical wall has a removable, arcuate,
vertically telescoping extension. When the two horizontal segments
interlock so as to the in a ready-to-use position, the device takes
the shape of a topless barrel slotted or truncated along a vertical
plane through each of two opposite sides of the barrel. The bottom
is horizontally extendable and the walls are vertically extendable,
each having multiple locking positions. The device can be
disassembled and stored in a substantially L-shaped arrangement for
economy of space. The present invention can accommodate bags having
various volumes. The device also features a stand, including a
plurality of rubber feet to improve traction, as well as upper rims
capped with a rubbery material to facilitate the grip on the
opening circumference of plastic bag. A second embodiment features
a bookrack structure with adjustable height ends. A third
embodiment comprises a bookrack structure with adjustable sides of
different heights placed in specific slots to accommodate different
sized bags.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide
an improved bag holder adapted to enable a person to fill a plastic
bag with food or liquid while minimizing spills.
It is another object of the invention to provide a bag holder
minimizing the space required for storage of the device when not in
use.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a bag holding
device of a first embodiment comprising two mating parts, connected
by a rivet, that rotate upon a common axis.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a bag holder of
the first embodiment that is both vertically and horizontally
extendable.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pair of bag
holders shaped like a bookrack with adjustable length and height
sides as a second and third embodiment.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and
arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described
which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a slotted basket
frame for plastic bags according to a first generic embodiment of
present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of rotatable slotted frame for plastic bags.
FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view of the alternate
embodiment show in FIG. 2, showing the invention in its compact
stored position.
FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the alternate embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, showing the invention in its ready-to-frame position.
FIG. 5 is exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a
collapsible book shelf frame for plastic bags.
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the right-hand frame member base
of the FIG. 5 embodiment.
FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are draw to a third embodiment of a book shelf
bag holder with adjustable length and height sides.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The first embodiment of the present invention, generically shown in
its operating environment in FIG. 1, is a frame 10 for a plastic
bag 12. The invention facilitates a single individual in emptying
food and liquids into a plastic or other flexible bag without
spilling its contents. Referring to FIG. 2, a base-supported member
16 is insertable into a base member 14. Base member 14 includes a
planar, horizontal female segment 18 having a front edge 20 and two
side edges 22 (shown alternately in FIG. 2 with phantom lines)
connecting a back arc 24 from which extends an arcuate vertical
first wall 26. First wall 26 has two vertical edges 28 connected by
a top edge 30.
A base-supported member 16 comprised of a planar, horizontal male
segment 32 having a forward edge 34 and two lateral edges 36
connecting a rear arc 38 from which extends a arcuate vertical
second wall 40. Second wall 40 has two upright edges 42 connected
by an upper edge 44. Rear arc 38 of base-supported member 16 has a
radius that is less than the radius of base member 14 such that
base-supported member 16 internally couples with base member 14. A
bottom surface of female segment 18 can also have a plurality of
curved rubber feet (not shown) for traction.
Regarding the first embodiment, as shown in greater detail in FIGS.
2, 3 and 4, male segment 32 is both above and supported by female
segment 18. Rear arc 38 of base-supported member 16 (the upper
member) has a radius that is less than the radius of base member 14
by slightly more than the thickness of first wall 26. This enables
base-supported member 16, including its vertical second wall 40, to
be slidably rotatable with respect to, and inside of, base member
14 and its vertical first wall 26. In fact, second wall 40 can
rotate 360.degree. inside of first wall 26. And as shown in FIG. 3,
this enables one to save valuable space when storing the device in
a drawer or cupboard.
A rivet 33, preferably made from plastic, is used to secure member
16 to member 14 so that they may freely rotate 360 degrees with
respect to each other. Rivet 33 has a vertical shank 35 extending
through a center point of both male segment 32 and female segment
18. Shank 35 has a length that is slightly greater than the sum of
the base thicknesses of male segment 32 and female segment 18.
Rivet 33 has both a bottom head and a top head that sandwiches the
male and female segments.
Regarding the second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
device 510 comprises a substantially L-shaped base member 140 which
receives like a belt buckle a substantially L-shaped base-supported
member 160. Each of members 140 and 160 consists essentially of a
flat, interlocking horizontal segment integrated with an arcuate,
vertical wall. Each vertical wall has a removable, arcuate,
vertically telescoping extension. FIG. 5 illustrates these four
essential parts. When the two horizontal segments interlock so as
to be in a ready-to-use position, the device takes the shape of a
topless barrel slotted or truncated along a vertical plane through
each of two opposite sides of the barrel. The bottom is
horizontally extendable and the walls are vertically extendable,
each having multiple locking positions. The device 510 can be
disassembled and stored in a substantially L-shaped arrangement,
similar to FIG. 3, and stacked for compact storage.
Base member 140 of female segment 180 has an arcuate, vertical
first wall 260 extending from back arc 240 along a perimeter edge
of base member 140. An arcuate, vertical first wall extension 480
telescopes in and out of first wall 260. Formed within female
segment 180 is a first chamber 620. First chamber 620 extends from
front edge 200 to proximate back arc 240. Formed within base member
140 is first chamber 620. A plurality of oppositely disposed
apertures, designated as first latch path pairs 680, extend from
first chamber 620 to side edges 220 of base member 140.
Male segment 320 of base-supported member 160 has a pair of first
arms 370 comprising the lateral edges 360 of male segment. 320. An
outwardly disposed cam-type first latch 390 defines a free end of
the pair of first arms 370 proximate the forward edge 340 of male
segment 320. Male segment 320 is slidably insertable into first
chamber 620 of female segment 180 so as to maintain a plurality of
locking positions. First latch 390 maintains camming engagement
with two opposing inside walls of first chamber 620, and locking
engagement with each of said first latch path pairs 680 while the
lateral edges 360 abut the inside walls of first chamber 620.
Simultaneous finger pressure on the outer edges of first latch 390
unlocks male segment 320 from female segment 180 so as to enable a
person to change the locking positions, and thus, to change the
distance between first wall 260 and second wall 400 to adapt to the
size of the bag.
Formed within first wall 260 and extending from top edge 300 to
proximate back arc 240 is a second chamber 640 to receive a
vertical, arcuate telescoping first wall extension 480. First wall
extension 480 has an upper first rim 560 substantially normal to a
pair of vertical second arms 580. An outwardly disposed cam-type
second latch 600 defines a free end of the pair of second arms 580.
For receiving the extension 480, formed within first wall 260 is a
plurality of oppositely disposed second latch path pairs 700. These
pairs of pathways extend from second chamber 640 to each of the
vertical edges 280 of first wall 260. First wall extension 480 is
slidably insertable into first wall 260 so as to maintain a
plurality of locking positions. Second latch 600 maintains camming
engagement with two opposing inside walls of second chamber 640,
and it maintains locking engagement with each of second latch path
pairs 700. Similar to the interlocking horizontal segments,
simultaneous finger pressure on outer edges of second latch 600
unlocks first wall extension 480 from first wall 260 so as to
enable a person to vary the locking positions, and therefore, to
vary the height of base member 140.
Formed within second arcuate wall 400, and extending from upper
edge 440 to proximate rear arc 380 is a third chamber 660 to
receive a vertical, arcuate telescoping second wall extension 460.
Second wall extension 460 has an upper second rim 500 substantially
normal to a pair of vertical third arms 520. An outwardly disposed
cam-type third latch 540 defines a free end of the pair of third
arms 520. For receiving the extension 460, formed within second
wall 400 is a plurality of oppositely disposed third latch path
pairs 720. These pairs of pathways extend from third chamber 660 to
each of the upright edges 420 of second wall 400. Second wall
extension 460 is slidably insertable into second wall 400 so as to
maintain a plurality of locking positions. Third latch 540
maintains camming engagement with two opposing inside walls of
third chamber 660, and it maintains locking engagement with each of
third latch path pairs 720. Again, simultaneous finger pressure on
outer edges of third latch 540 unlocks second wall extension 460
from second wall 400 so as to enable a person to alternate the
locking positions, and therefore, to alternate the height of
base-supported member 160. Thus, the present invention can
accommodate bags having various volumes.
A second embodiment is drawn to a horizontally and vertically
extendable book shelf bag support 510, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
Second wall 400 extends below the horizontal plane of male segment
320 by a distance equal to approximately one half of the thickness
of female segment 180 so as to form a leg 740 for member 16 such
that male segment 320 maintains horizontal alignment with first
chamber 620 of female segment 180. A bottom surface of female
segment 180 can have a plurality of rubber feet 760 to improve
traction. Another gripping feature can be found in first rim 560
and second rim 500 (FIG. 5) which are capped with a rubbery
material to facilitate the grip on the opening circumference of
plastic bag 12.
FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate a third embodiment drawn to another
book shelf bag holder frame 800. A rectangular base plate 810 has
three blind grooves 820, 830 and 840 of equal length formed from a
front edge 850, but not extending the entire width of the base
plate 810. It can be appreciated that the distance between groove
820 and 830 is shorter than the distance between 830 and 840 to
accommodate different sized bags. Walls 860 shown in FIG. 7A are
taller than the single wall 870 depicted in FIG. 7B to show the
relative height difference.
A critical feature of this embodiment is the configuration of the
bottom partial pentagonal portions 880 of each wall 860 and 870, to
fit snugly in the pentagonal shaped grooves 820, 830 and 840 which
are commensurate in length with the widths of the walls 860 or 870.
A corrugated rubber layer 890 is positioned under the base plate
810 for preventing slippage on a smooth counter surface.
Thus, a taller and wider plastic bag 900 can be readily
accommodated by locating the taller walls 860 in the outside
grooves 820 and 840 as depicted in FIG. 7A with the lip 910
disposed over the walls 860. A smaller bag can be framed with the
shorter walls 870 shown in FIG. 7B. Then, the frame 800 can readily
be dismantled and stored as a flattened package when not in
use.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to
the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all
embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *